Summer is a great time to start home remodeling projects. If your home’s siding looks worn out, now is the time to replace it. Old, damaged siding can lower your home’s value by up to 10%. In contrast, new, high-quality siding can give you an impressive 81.6% return on your investment.
But replacing your siding isn’t just about choosing the right material—it’s also about ensuring proper installation. Even the best siding products can fail if they are not installed correctly. This can lead to costly repairs, moisture damage, and a shorter lifespan for your investment.
Before hiring a Roselle siding contractor, make sure they know what they’re doing. Here are three big mistakes that new or careless installers often make. Avoiding these mistakes is important for your home’s durability, energy efficiency, and curb appeal.
Top 3 Siding Installation Mistakes to Avoid
1. Nailing Vinyl Siding Too Tightly
Vinyl siding is a cost-effective and durable choice. It can last up to 40 years if installed correctly. However, one of the most common installation mistakes is nailing the siding down too tightly.
When vinyl siding is nailed too firmly, it loses its ability to expand and contract with temperature changes. This restriction can lead to buckling, warping, and even cracked siding, allowing moisture to seep in and cause rotted wood or mold growth underneath.
How It Should Be Installed:
✅ Contractors should leave about 1/32 of an inch between the nail head and the siding surface.
✅ Siding should be able to move slightly when gently pulled or pushed.
✅ The nails should be driven straight and level to avoid unnecessary stress on the panels.
2. Overlapping Siding Panels Too Much
Another frequent mistake is overlapping siding panels too far. Some overlap is needed for good coverage. However, too much overlap can limit movement. This can lead to wrinkling, buckling, or warping over time.
The Right Way to Overlap Siding Panels:
✅ The standard overlap for vinyl siding is between 1 inch and 1.25 inches—no more, no less.
✅ Panels should be staggered to avoid visible seams in a straight line, creating a more natural look.
The joints should be secured well but still allow for movement. This lets the siding expand and contract with weather changes.
3. Allowing Visible Seams
While functionality is crucial, aesthetics also matter. One of the worst visual mistakes in siding installation is allowing visible seams. Poorly installed siding can leave unsightly gaps that make a home look patchy or unfinished, reducing its curb appeal.
Seams should be strategically placed and minimized to create a smooth, professional appearance. While some visibility is unavoidable with horizontal siding, careful installation ensures that seams are much less noticeable.
How to Reduce Visible Seams:
✅ Use longer siding panels whenever possible to reduce the number of joints.
✅ Place seams in less noticeable areas, such as near corners or behind landscaping features.
✅ Consider seamless siding options, such as fiber cement or composite siding, for a more uniform look.
Other Key Siding Installation Mistakes to Watch Out For
Beyond the top three mistakes, there are additional errors that can compromise your siding installation.
4. Ignoring Proper Weatherproofing
Siding is your home’s first line of defense against the elements, but without proper weatherproofing, moisture can find its way in. Contractors should put house wrap or a weather-resistant barrier behind the siding. This helps stop water damage and improves insulation.
5. Poorly Installed Flashing
Flashing around windows, doors, and rooflines is essential for directing water away from your home. If the flashing is not installed correctly or is missing, water can get into these weak spots. This can cause rot, mold, and expensive structural damage.
6. Failing to Account for Insulation Needs
A siding replacement is the perfect time to add or upgrade insulation. Some siding options come with built-in insulation, which helps improve energy efficiency and reduce heating and cooling costs. If your home does not have good insulation, your contractor should talk about options. They might suggest rigid foam board insulation or blown-in insulation before installation.
Choosing the Right Siding for Your Home
Selecting the right siding material is just as important as proper installation. Here are some of the best siding options for long-term durability and curb appeal:
Vinyl Siding
✔ Affordable and low maintenance
✔ Available in a variety of colors and textures
✔ Can last up to 40 years if properly installed
Fiber Cement Siding (James Hardie Siding)
✔ Extremely durable and resistant to fire, pests, and rot
✔ Mimics the look of natural wood without the maintenance
✔ Can last 50+ years with proper care
LP SmartSide Engineered Wood Siding
✔ Stronger than traditional wood siding
✔ Resistant to moisture, insects, and impact damage
✔ Provides a natural wood look with superior longevity
Composite Siding (Alside Ascend Siding)
✔ High durability with a lightweight design
✔ Fade-resistant color technology
✔ Provides a seamless look with minimal maintenance
Maximizing Your Siding Investment
Proper installation and quality materials are essential for getting the best return on your siding investment. Here are some final tips to ensure you make the most of your new siding:
✔ Hire experienced professionals. Look for licensed and insured siding contractors with positive reviews.
✔ Ask for references and past project photos. Seeing previous work can help you gauge the contractor’s expertise.
✔ Get a written warranty. A reputable contractor should offer both material and labor warranties.
✔ Choose the right siding for your climate. Materials like fiber cement and insulated vinyl perform well in areas with extreme temperatures and frequent weather changes.
✔ Don’t cut corners on installation. Even the best siding will fail if improperly installed—so make sure your contractors follow industry best practices.
Final Thoughts
Replacing your home’s siding is a significant investment that improves both curb appeal and energy efficiency. However, ensuring proper installation is just as important as choosing the right material.
By avoiding common siding installation mistakes, you can protect your home. These mistakes include nailing vinyl siding too tightly, overlapping panels too much, and leaving visible seams. This will help prevent moisture damage, warping, and other aesthetic issues.
If you want to upgrade your siding the right way, contact us today. We can discuss your options and provide a professional installation that lasts!